Chats with Fire: Recent Episodes

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Chats with Fire - Episode 12 - 04/12/2023

In this episode, Anne M. from Montana came on and spoke about her journey across multiple first responder fronts into the mental health realm - Neurolinguistics Programming, in specific!

Anne has been a first responder for several years. She attended college and received a degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice, then went on to work as a cop (in a jail), an internal investigator, a wildland fire technician, and as a NLP Coach.

In this episode, Anne shares:

• Her struggles with "failure" and the lessons she learned from them;

• Her experience obtaining a serious brain injury and how her mental and physical health plummeted as a result;

• How her brain injury prompted her to start down a path of healing;

• How she began working with a variety of therapists, and how that inspired her to delve more into the mental health realm;

• A brief overview of the tools she offers to help others learn and grow in regards to their mindset, mental health, and physical health;

And a lot of interesting tidbits on mindset, communication and neurological work!

For more information, follow Anne on IG at @evergreencoachingandwellness, or check out her website, www.evergreencoachingandwellness.com!

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Chats with Fire: Episode 10 - 03/25/2023
On this episode, Ben Strahan came on and shared some incredibly wise and heartfelt energy regarding the human existence.
@benstrahan began his journey in wildland fire in 2001 and has since worked into the position of Hotshot Superintendent for the El Dorado Hotshots. However, during our chat, Ben explained that his position as Sup. makes up only a small portion of his life, and that his existence isn’t defined by his career. In fact, he has many different roles and realities; and during our chat we dove into those realities as well as a variety of aspects that compromise the human experience.
In this episode, Ben shares:
- His journey starting in wildland fire
- The capacity of humans to exist in this one life with multiple roles and realities simultaneously
- Needs versus wants, and how our needs are at the base of our happiness
- His specific needs and why they’re integral to living a full, purposeful life
- Love as energy, and the deeply rooted belief that everything we experience in life is love
- Stories/scripts that we tell ourselves and how they can confine our lives
- How plant medicine/alternative medicine has helped him open up his mind to better understanding, forgiving and loving himself and the world
While I thoroughly enjoy chatting with every single guest on Chats with Fire, this chat sincerely touched my soul and allowed me to share some of my own experiences/deep thoughts/feelings as well. Love is truly all around us, and sometimes all it takes is pausing to notice and reflect on it, to realize its beauty and power. Thank you, Ben, for sharing your love and energy with me today. I pray everyone who watches/listens to this recording feels and passes along that love and energy as well.
❤️

**This video is also posted to the Anchor and Flank Instagram, Facebook, Apple Podcasts and Spotify accounts, so feel free to check it out on those other platforms too!

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Chats with Fire: Episode 10 - 02/27/2023

On this episode, Ronni O. from Colorado came on and shared her story getting into fire and how she is now working to provide resources to new and seasoned wildland firefighters!

Ronni began her career wildland firefighting around age 18, when her friend swayed her into taking a summer position fighting fire. Ronni was hooked after that, and spent over ten years working in wildland fire! Later on, she joined the military and had a few little ones of her own, but she decided she still wanted to be involved with fire somehow. Since then, Ronni has created various resources to assist new wildland firefighters and those looking to get into the field.

In this episode, Ronni shares:

• Her journey starting in wildland fire

• Her passion for helping diverse communities navigate through their own journeys in wildland fire

• Her resources to help new/potential wildland firefighters, including her YouTube channel, Instagram account, and new e-book/book, "Advice from Seasoned Wildland Firefighters."

• Answers to a couple of questions from viewers regarding working on an engine, and working in Wildland Fire versus Structure/City FDs

• Her initiative to raise $25,000 for the Wildland Fire community

And more!

We did have some technical difficulties, as my power and internet kept going on and off (thanks to a minor snow storm), so I apologize for the inconsistencies with this Live. The Live is broken into two parts, so be sure to watch the second half, which is also posted here.

If you'd like to see more from Ronni, you can find her here:

On Instagram: @wild_firefighter

Through her website: https://wildlandfire.mykajabi.com/

On YouTube: @Wild_firefighter

You can also check out her Linktree which has several of her resources! https://linktr.ee/Wildlandfire

**This video is also posted to the Anchor and Flank Instagram, Facebook, Apple Podcasts and Spotify accounts as ONE video/audio file, so feel free to check it out on those other platforms too!

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Chats with Fire: Episode 9 - 02/16/2023

On this episode, James S. from the Bay Area came on and shared his story getting into fire and navigating the transition in his mid 30s!

James began his career working as an EMT/firefighter in 2019 at 35 years old - after working in the furniture moving business for several years. With a new baby and two young teens, he and his wife faced some adjustments to the new lifestyle of wildland firefighting.

In this episode, James shares:

• His journey starting in wildland fire

• Being turned down for jobs due to his tattoos

• Building family with his fire crew

• His thoughts on the "put up or shut up" mentality - and why fire folks need it

• Struggles of the Off Season - Dealing with depression and lack of motivation

• His journey assimilating back into family life after working in fire, and the support from his wife and fire family

And a few stories that are guaranteed to make you laugh!

James was initially a little nervous to come on and chat live, but I'm so glad he did, as it was a fun time swapping stories! Thank you, James, for stepping outside of your comfort zone and for sharing some laughter! Keep on keeping on, my friend!

**This video is also posted to the Anchor and Flank Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcast accounts.

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Chats with Fire: Episode 8 - 02/11/2023

On this episode, Rachel C. from Washington (formerly Alaska!) came on and spoke about dispatching, motherhood, training, and a myriad of other topics.  Rachel began her dispatching career in Tok, Alaska, nearly a decade ago. Since then, she has worked her way up in her dispatch career, working in and taking assignments in multiple dispatch centers. Now working for the State of Washington DNR, Rachel also has an adorable toddler who has brought a whole new joy to her life outside of wildland fire!

In this episode, Rachel shares:

• How she started in dispatch

• How aspects of dispatching have helped her become a better mother

• Some of the issues faced when hiring/retaining employees in dispatch

• Taking assignments and working on taskbooks

• Suggestions for getting into dispatch

And more!

Rachel is the first dispatcher I've had on as a guest, so it was fun to chat with someone else who works behind the radio! Thank you, Rachel, for sharing your story and some of the "behind-the-scenes" of dispatching! 🤗

**This video is also posted to the following Anchor and Flank accounts:  Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcast, and Anchor Podcasts

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Chats with Fire: Episode 7 - 02/04/2023

On this episode, Robyn from Idaho/Oregon came on and chatted about firefighting, fitness and nutrition! We asked viewers to submit their questions regarding these topics and Robyn covered them in this Live. A while back, Robyn sustained an injury that inspired her to begin learning more about physical fitness and conditioning her body for wildland firefighting. Learning about nutrition naturally followed, and Robyn is now dedicated to learning and teaching others about proper body maintenance as it pertains to working in fire. Ultimately, she would like to see some big changes in the physical training/ nutrition side of things in fire, and is working towards making those changes.

Among the topics covered in this episode:

• Training for the annual Pack Test - Robyn has created two plans for Pack Test Training and explained how those work. They will be linked here, below!

• How to stay motived to train during the off season

• "Should I train/hike every day in the off season?"

• What types of exercises are beneficial to train for fire season?

• Ways to "meal prep" or focus on proper nutrition during fire season/fire assignments

• Robyn also offered to take 30 minute phone calls from folks who are interested in discussing their fitness/nutrition plans. If you're interested in reaching out to Robyn for assistance, you can reach her through following:

Instagram: @robynamitton

One-On-One Coaching Call: https://calendly.com/robynamitton/1v1-coaching-call?month=2023-02

Pack Test Prep Sheet: https://www.canva.com/design/DAFZlMnifXg/z2fT_WK5ZwUKuBWkux1GdQ/view?utm_content=DAFZlMnifXg&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=viewer

As always, thank you to everyone who tuned in and thank you to Robyn for coming on and sharing such great information! I appreciate you, and I'm excited to see what you do in the future in this realm!

**This video is also posted to the following Anchor and Flank accounts: Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcast, and Anchor Podcasts

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Chats with Fire - Episode 6 - 01/26/2023

On this episode, First Responder Jon from southern California came on and spoke about @holdthelineflyfishing - a nonprofit organization he and his wife founded to help first responders.

A few years ago, Jon and his wife found themselves in the midst of several tragic/unexpected losses - including coworkers, friends and family members. Upon taking a 10-day trip around the northwestern states, the couple found a bit of peace and solitude through an expected outlet - fly fishing. Thus, Hold the Line was born.

In this episode, Jon shares:

• How he and his wife came through six months of difficulties and channeled their experiences into positive future experiences for others;

• How Hold the Line operates - from his efforts and that of the volunteers, to running off of fundraisers and donations;

• The magic and healing he has witnessed amongst trip participants;

• The amazing secret skills that he has witnessed in others, coming to life during a guided trip;

• And more!

A humble and genuine soul, Jon truly had a heart for helping others, and it was my pleasure to host him on this episode! If anyone would like to reach out to Jon and/or find out more information about Hold the Line Fly Fishing, you can contact him here:

@holdthelineflyfishing

OR https://www.htlflyfishing.org/

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Chats with Fire: Episode 5 - 01/20/2023

Mental Health and Building Each Other Up with Sebastian I.

On this episode, Sebastian from ID/CA came on and chatted about some of his experiences with mental health as a wildland firefighter.  As an Engine Boss, Sebastian has had to learn to care for his own mental health, as well as learn how to help others on his engine do the same. He shared some experiences and tips for privatizing mental health, including:

• Working on the 2022 Moose fire in Salmon, ID, and dealing with the aftermath of the accident (including seeing the ruins, holding an AAR with his crew members and providing them with the tools/resources to process the accident)

• Utilizing the "Green Light" Method with his crew members - Allowing them to express Green Light (for a good day), Yellow Light (for an okay day), and Red Light (for a not-so-great day)

• Working as a Fire Lookout with multiple duties, and how the stresses affected his consciously and subconsciously.

This was an excellent casual conversation on the importance of self-care and mental health, and our hopes are to keep the conversation more. Thank you to everyone who tuned in and thank you to Sebastian for coming on and sharing! I appreciate you!

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Chats with Fire: Episode 4 - 01/13/2023

Fighting Fire and Mental Battles with Kevin Conley Jr.

On this episode, Kevin with @backcountryninjas came on and shared his struggles with mental health, depression and his amazing and inspiring journey to healing.

***Gentle forewarning: This chat does touch on mental health, depression, anxiety, drinking, self-destruction, and other sensitive topics. If these topics are cause for unease or upset, please be mindful and loving of your own limitations. 🤍

Among the topics:

• Kevin's story of wildland firefighting and coming to a dark place of depression and anxiety

• The bike ride on which Kevin embarked to heal his mind, body and soul, as well as raise awareness and funds for mental health and wildland firefighters

• What others can do to help when you're going through a dark time

• The role(s) we play in determining our own mental health and happiness

• The difference between sympathy and empathy

• And much more!

I am so extremely thankful to Kevin for coming on and sharing all that he did. If any of you are in a dark place, please do not hesitate to reach out. I do not work in the mental health field, but I do know of a handful of resources and am more that happy to share. You are not alone - We are in this together, and you are so loved!!!

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Chats with Fire: Episode 3 - 11/05/2022

Motherhood as a Wildland Firefighter with Dani from Idaho

Dani from Close the Gap Wellness came on and shared invaluable insight on what it takes to be a mother in wildland fire. She shared her experiences of growing up as an "Army kid," with two strong, dedicated parents and a supportive tribe, and how that helped pave her path to mothering through wildland fire.  

Among the topics:

• Fostering and leaning into a "tribe"

• Coordinating your schedule and Fire Quals with your spouse (in particular, a fellow firefighting spouse)

• Maternity Leave for both mother and father

• Mom Guilt

• Showing up for your kids

We also gathered a few of the following resources. If there are any you'd like to share, feel free to comment below!

Resources: OPM, FB group Wildland Women and Bomberos Madras

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Chats with Fire: Episode 2 - 10/20/2022

Fire, Fitness and Fire Relationships with Kassie from Nevada

Kassie came on to chat about her time in fire - both on the line and in dispatch - and how she went from wildland firefighting to diving into the world of nutrition and fitness. After struggling with unhealthy food and sleep habits in the off season, Kassie realized she needed to implement more balance and structure in her life. With the support and encouragement of her boyfriend (a fellow wildland firefighter whom she met on an assignment), she reached out to 1stphorm and started her journey as a nutrition/fitness coach.

If you'd like to learn more about 1stPhorm or work with Kassie, you can check out her social here:  @kassie.adkinson

OR Check out her FREE Facebook Group here:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/947512409296390/?ref=share_group_link

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Chats with Fire: Episode 1 - 10/13/2022

Fire, Bladesmithing & Business with Wesley C. from Mississippi

Wesley came on to chat about his work in fire, and how his hobby using a lathe grew into a bladesmithing business (thanks to his son asking for a knife)! A wildland firefighter since 2006, Wesley has been making knives since roughly 2018. He's been a guest on Forged In Fire (2021 - Season 8), and takes joy in attending various other knife-making competitions/community events

If you'd like to see some of his work, check him out at: @wcrum_bladesmith OR https://www.wcrumbladesmith.com/